Jon Stahl's LeanDog software company rocks the boat in Cleveland: Ten Minutes With

Lynn Ischay, The PDJon Stahl may be the CEO of the LeanDog software company, but the company's mascot, Stahl's English bulldog, Otis, is decidedly not a lean dog. Jon Stahl, 41, is the president of LeanDog software company, which is located on the boat that was formerly Hornblower's Restaurant on North Marginal Road. You know, the one next to the U.S.S. Cod submarine. Before launching LeanDog, Stahl worked as a software application director and developer for Progressive Insurance and Nationwide. Having a software company on a boat is not the only unusual thing about Stahl. His company follows a value-based system called Agile, which values individuals and interactions over processes and tools. Stahl recently had an agile conversation with PDQ's Michael Heaton aboard the company boat.

How does the day begin at LeanDog?

We start with a daily stand-up meeting. All team members stand in a circle and give three updates: what did I do yesterday, what am I going to do today and do I have any roadblocks or need any support. We toss a football around as a speaking token. The meeting lasts no longer than 15 minutes for 20 people. If you show up late for the meeting, you pay a debt, which is buying $5 in food for the team. Our company bulldog, Otis, participates as well, but he usually sits or chases the football.

Where did this philosophy come from?

The Agile Manifesto was drafted in 2001 at a ski resort in the mountains in Utah, where representatives of various new methodologies met to discuss the need for lighter alternatives to the traditional heavyweight methodologies. They talked about "patterns" they followed when they found success, and wrote the manifesto. (For more information, click here.)

What made you see the light about working this way?

We value people and teams over everything else; we know that we need fast feedback to make sure we get things right. Inspection and blame is not the way to drive a team -- communication, courage and respect are the way. It's so obvious, it's amazing that we make things so complex.

Do you ever worry that things could get too loosey-goosey?

Because the teams make decisions on how to operate, we actually have more inspection than most teams. We have over 25 techniques that we can apply to correct our course as it veers from our goal. Sometimes Otis gets loosey-goosey, but that's more of a diet issue.

Anybody ever get seasick here?

Well. . . we have had to stock Dramamine, but some prefer wine or beer.

You're from Pittsburgh; why have a company in Cleveland?

I went to college at Ohio State and took my first job in Cleveland. After six years, I went home for a year, but was then recruited to join a startup company -- I couldn't resist. Since then, good opportunities have continued to come. Plus, my wife is from Cleveland.

As a (relative) outsider, what are Cleveland's biggest strengths?

We do have a strong tech community and we have some really good entrepreneurs who want to lead change.

Weaknesses?

We are not united around our craft. Our waterfront needs to resemble Chicago and draw talent to prevent the brain drain on Cleveland.

What are you doing to help the city?

We are trying to help unitethe tech community. There are currently many technology meetings every month in Cleveland. We now host approximately 10 a month on the boat. We need to act as one and make our presence known. Columbus and Pittsburgh are known for their technology strength. We should be known as well.

Do you have divided loyalties when the Browns play the Steelers?

None at all -- the Steelers rule! I did get engaged at a Steeler-Cleveland game 16 years ago. Channel 8 covered it. After I kissed my wife, I got swarmed with fists by Browns fans who didn't like my Steelers shirt. They got arrested.

What is your greatest hope for LeanDog and Cleveland?

We have five goals.

1. To provide 30 jobs for people in Cleveland.

2. To unite the tech community.

3. To give back to Cleveland by helping with a philanthropic effort called GiveCamp, where we will code as much software as we can for free in 72 hours, hand in hand with the tech community.

4. Work/life balance -- we work very hard, but respect sustainable pace, people, families and life balance.

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